the_comfortable_courtesan

The household knew almost as soon as Sir Toby had spoken: he had, at last, after dangling about for so many months, asked Miss Millick to marry him. And Miss Millick had said yes. Sure, she was by no means a young lady, but all the same, it was considered quite a romantic thing. There she was, a former governess, now Lady Fairleigh’s companion, must have long since give up matrimonial hopes, and now she was marrying Sir Toby Madden, no young fellow himself, a childless widower with a fine house and estate, a magistrate, well-thought of in the county, why, it just showed that there was always hope.

Livvy wrinkled her nose a little: but Miss Millick seemed happy enough at the prospect. Of course, she said, as Livvy went in to begin on the task of furbishing up her wardrobe for her new station, dear Lady Fairleigh I fancy only offered I should come as a companion out of entire kindness – I should have found it hard to find another place as governess, employers are apt to require young women with the latest notions. She sighed. Mayhap, she went on, at first it was a help to her to have one that could fetch and carry and read to her &C. But really, now you come on to be so handy about her needs – and Sir Charles likes nothing better than to read to her or help her sort embroidery silks, 'tis very pretty –

La, Miss Millick, said Livvy, we shall miss your piano-playing – for we will gather in the hall to listen, and to Sir Charles singing.

O, how charming! cried Miss Millick. But I daresay there will still be visits.

Knowing Sir Toby, Livvy thought that very likely: though mayhap did he have a wife he would rest at his own fireside rather than going about calling upon his acquaintance?

There was a tap at the door. Come in! called Miss Millick.

Sir Charles Fairleigh entered. Dear Milly, he said, I am come on an embassy from Hester –

Miss Millick raised her eyebrows.

- she hopes that I may persuade you to come with us when we go to Town shortly, so that she may give herself the pleasure of providing you with wedding garments.

Miss Millick sat plump down upon the stool at the dressing-table, as Livvy clasped her hands together.

O, said Miss Millick, how very kind, how very, very kind. And also, the chance to see the dear children – and their offspring – o, that would be delightful. Will not Nan – I mean, Lady Offgrange – mind?

She entire urges her mother to the course, longs for you to see how Lady Di gets on and this new little Lord Imbremere – Gussie I expect they will call him at home.

And, said Sir Charles, turning to Livvy, since I find you I take the opportunity, 'twould greatly relieve my mind did you come to Town with us – oh, I have no doubt that the servants at Offgrange House are excellent, but Lady Fairleigh is used to you, and you are accustomed to her needs and how to ensure her comfort, it would greatly relieve my mind.

Livvy gaped, dumbstruck, for a moment. Me, she said at length, go to Lunnon Town? And then minded her place and made a dip and said, if 'twas Sir Charles’ wish, she was entire ready to attend Her Ladyship there.

Excellent! said Sir Charles, clapping her upon the shoulder. I will go tell Hester.

Livvy and Miss Millick looked at one another. Why, said the latter, do not you look so worried. I would suppose that is there any matter of dressing for Society occasions, Lady Offgrange’s Lorimer will be able to assist, but 'tis a very good thought of Sir Charles to have you for Lady Fairleigh’s getting up and going to bed and being made comfortable &C. Sure Lord Offgrange was very thoughtful about matters of having slopes put in at Offgrange House for the convenience of Her Ladyship’s chair when the family moved there, but there will be none there has your understanding of her requirements.

Won’t it be a very large household?

Oh, they are obliged to maintain considerable state, agreed Miss Millick, but I do not think you need have any worries: 'tis a fine well-run establishment. The housekeeper, Mrs Atkins, is an entire paragon.

But Livvy minded that she had been but a housemaid in this small manor-house until being advanced to Lady Fairleigh’s personal maid on Sir Charles’ marriage, and felt some qualms.

It was yet some while before they would be going to London. One day Livvy ran to answer Lady Fairleigh’s bell in the parlour, and found her a-reading of letters that had just come.

Here, Livvy, a letter for you!

A letter for me?

Lady Fairleigh smiled at her. Enclosed in Lady Bexbury’s to me – I daresay 'tis from your friend Sophy.

Livvy made a dip and left the parlour and returned to the dressing-room and turned the letter over in her hands and then broke the seal.

Indeed it was from Sophy – signed Your affect: friend Sophy Lacey – o, she had such pretty handwriting. Livvy sat down to read it.

Lady Bexbury had communicated to Sophy that Lady Fairleigh would be bringing Livvy to Town with her – and, O, Livvy, I am like to think you will find a deal of time upon your hands as Lady Fairleigh goes about calling upon her family and friends &C, and Lady Bexbury and Docket are entire agreeable that I might take you about the sights of Town a little and for a frolic or so. And I must introduce you to my sweetheart Sam, that is now courting me very proper and respectable –

Livvy smiled. Sure there had been a deal of fellows had looked more than twice at pretty black Sophy!

- and is in a good way of business with a livery stable. O, 'twill be entire delightfull!

The prospect of going to Town suddenly seemed far more agreeable now that she had the promised company of a friend.

But Livvy became daunted once more as the coach came into Lunnon – so many people! so bustling! such smells! such noise! How did they ever stand it, day in day out?

And Offgrange House was so big, with so many people in it, that all seemed to know their way about and exactly what they were doing and where they should be, and Livvy felt a sad countryfied maid.

She looked about the dressing-room where she had fetched up with the boxes. There was Lady Fairleigh’s bedchamber there – she peeped in – and next door to that there was a sitting-room in which she was at present quite holding court with her family. It was very kind – very clever – there was a slope up from the entrance hall that Lady Fairleigh’s chair could be pushed up, and here all on a level, thought taken.

Livvy turned around. There was a small chamber off the dressing-room where she might sleep. She sighed. At least she might be about unpacking –

She was engaged in this task when there was a light tap upon the dressing-room door and it opened to admit a – lady? – a woman? – of middle years dressed very fine and neat in dark grey, a lace cap upon her head. Livvy made a dip.

Fie, girl, no ceremony! You’ll be Bracewell – I’m Lorimer, Lady Offgrange’s maid. I’ve sent for tea.

Livvy blinked a little and murmured how d’ye do.

The door opened a little way and in toddled a very pretty little child.

Fie, said Lorimer, 'tis little Lady Diana, does she fancy somewhat new is ado will come find out –